Ijams Nature Center Trails

Just minutes from downtown lies an urban playground for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, anglers and paddlers! Miles of diverse trails await you at Ijams Nature Center. The tranquil trails on the river side of the park wind through undisturbed woods where wildflowers carpet the path and songbirds twill. The Wildlife Sanctuary Trail System features almost 4 miles of hiking only trails. Across the street, the rugged terrain that was once home to a post-industrial landscape, has been redesigned into 7.0 miles of multi-use trails that comprise the Quarry and Natural Area Trail System with more trails on the drawing board! The trails have been routed to enhance the distinctive features of this section — a sparkling quarry lake, unique rock formations, scenic overlooks and rugged terrain. The mature woodlands are home to a variety of wildlife and birds. Along the trails you'll spot caves hidden deep in the rocks, you'll wind past the historic Stanton cemetery and climb to the overlooks of scenic gorges. There's much to do and much to experience at Mead's Quarry! Check out our events calendar for hikes and mountain bike rides.

Ijams Nature Center, teamed up with Legacy Parks Foundation and the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC), has developed a network of multi-use trails through the old hickory forest adjacent to the Ross Marble Natural Area. This section of trail is part of the South Loop of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness which connects to the following trail systems: Forks of the River; Helix Trails; William Hastie Natural Area; and Marie Myers Park.City of Knoxville Park

Main Entrance:2915 Island Home AveDirections: Take I-40 to the James White Parkway and cross the river. Take the Sevier Ave/Hillwood Dr exit and turn left onto Sevier Ave which becomes Hillwood Dr. At the end of Hillwood, turn right onto Island Home Ave then take the 1st left to stay on Island Home Ave. Ijams will be approximately 1-mile on the left.

Mead's Quarry Entrance:3518 Island Home PikeDirections: From the Nature Center, continue south on Island Home Ave which becomes Island Home Pike. After the railroad tracks, turn right into the parking area for the quarries and trails.

Ijams Crag Entrance:end of Aberdeen LaneDirections: Take I-40 to the James White Parkway and cross the river. Take the Sevier Ave/Hillwood Dr exit and turn left onto Sevier Ave which becomes Hillwood Dr. At the end of Hillwood, turn right onto Island Home Ave and take the 1st left to stay on Island Home Ave. Turn right onto Gilbert Lane, then turn left onto Belvedere Avenue, and take a right onto Aberdeen Lane. Continue at right fork on Aberdeen Lane to the parking pull-off.